SWINDON TOWN 0 SOUTHAMPTON 1: Full-time report

IN Southampton, fans of Swindon Town should find solace that age really might not be everything.

Regardless of the result of tonight’s friendly clash at the County Ground, which the Premier League visitors won 1-0 thanks to Jos Hooiveld’s goal, the visit of Ronald Koeman’s uber-talented creche must act as an important reminder for everyone associated with Town going into the new term. Sometimes, you can win with kids.

Five of the visitors’ starting line-up came through the academy on the south coast, while another seven were on the bench. Having been forced into the sales of Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw over the summer, it seems Koeman is happy to trust in the next generation once again at St Mary’s. Perhaps that might be an indication that, back in Wiltshire, we would be wise to do the same.

Looking at the Swindon substitutes, it was immediately apparent how young this squad is. None could lay claim to being 80s babies as, on the bench, manager Mark Cooper named three scholars, a Samsung Win A Pro champion, a Belgian trialist, Matt Jones, Tyrell Belford, Connor Waldon and George Barker.

They could boast a grand total of zero professional goals between them, while only two – Barker and Jonathan Vandesompele – were alive during Swindon’s sole year in the Premier League two decades ago.

On the pitch there was a little more experience – most had a season or two in the first-team under their belts while, remarkably, Swindon could show off the only player in either squad to have been a part of this summer’s World Cup in the shape of Massimo Luongo – but there was an assurance about the way both teams played that belied their years. Even if at times it was at walking pace, it was good to watch young talent playing football the right way.

While Saints were happy to operate in second or third gear, Town still impressed with their workrate, shape and general calmness on the ball, even if they only got in behind their guests on a handful of occasions.

They were undone by sloppy marking from a corner .... but otherwise there was little for the naysayers to moan about, particularly once the game against a top-flight side was put into context.

Luongo again displayed an uncanny knack to earn himself an extra yard on the ball without touching it, manipulating defenders with his movement time and time again, while Louis Thompson produced a typically full-blooded display, including at least two 60-yard backtracks to slide the ball out from underneath a waiting striker’s feet. Branco, too, though liable to the odd blooper, showed self-belief and calmness that Swindon will rely on in the season proper.

It was encouraging, if not anything close to a spectacle on a warm evening in SN1. The result really doesn’t matter, the lessons that can be learned from it are far more important.

Nathaniel Clyne made Town keeper Wes Foderingham work in the 11th minute. After stealing beyond Nathan Byrne and Raphael Branco, the former Crystal Palace man unleashed a bullet of a right-footed effort which Foderingham did well to get down low to his left and parry away to safety.

Lloyd Isgrove was the next Saints man to have a pop at goal but his side-footed attempt curled wide of Foderingham’s left-hand post after Matt Targett’s initial attempt had broken the way of the Southampton academy graduate.

Town manufactured their first sight of goal in the 17th minute. The perseverance of Louis Thompson and Luongo in midfield allowed the ball to break for Andy Williams, who did well to create space for a shot on the edge of the area but he could only fire tamely at Kelvin Davis.

By the middle of the first half, Swindon were holding their own against a Saints midfield that contained the likes of James Ward Prowse and Jack Cork. Luongo, Louis Thompson and Anton Rodgers were happy to play with a carefree abandon, bordering on reckless at times, but certainly pleasant on the eye.

At the back they looked well drilled and resilient, with Yaser Kasim playing the old-fashioned sweeper role between Nathan Thompson and Branco, and as the game drew closer to half-time the hosts were the more likely to score.

Williams turned his marker but couldn’t pick out his strike partner Michael Smith, while Jack Barthram was slipped in down the right by Luongo only to send his cross on the forehead of Jose Fonte.

At the interval, however, Cooper could only be pleased.

Southampton took five minutes of the second period to nudge in front. Ward Prowse floated over a corner from the right and Hooiveld stole in to prod past Foderingham at the back post. The goal was out of character compared to the rest of the game – scrappy and unrefined as it was, though Saints merited their lead.

Having swapped their entire team for the final half-hour, unsurprisingly the match became more broken up.

There were half-chances for Sam Gallagher, who headed over before slapping a right-footed effort straight at Foderingham, while Swindon cranked up the pressure in the dying moments. Waldon almost went round Paulo Gazzaniga to tap in, with Barker just unable to reach the rebound, while Barthram couldn’t pick out the unmarked Branco with his pull-back after Byrne had found his wing-back with a raking crossfield pass.

Town couldn’t find the late equaliser but they did more than enough to show they deserve a little patience going into the new term.

Comments (17)

Good work out by the sounds of it.So it´s time I guess to get behind these young players as they will need every bit of support the stfc fans can give.
Any news on anyone else coming to the CG???????
as said they held there own this evening good luck to them all

Good work out by the sounds of it.So it´s time I guess to get behind these young players as they will need every bit of support the stfc fans can give.
Any news on anyone else coming to the CG???????
as said they held there own this evening good luck to them allport de soller

Stuie - Cooper says nothing doing on transfer front in or out but now LP saying hopeful might be a couple of new faces at the end of the week. No solid offers apart from NT turned down. Placing emphasis on smaller squad, chances for kids but cover for injuries etc.

Stuie - Cooper says nothing doing on transfer front in or out but now LP saying hopeful might be a couple of new faces at the end of the week. No solid offers apart from NT turned down. Placing emphasis on smaller squad, chances for kids but cover for injuries etc.The Jockster

Also can't draw any conclusions from tonight loads of subs on both sides it would appear. Typical pre season fare by the sound of it!
Well done the Howler great showing at the Open - still waiting for the promised Adver update from yesterday - no change there then!

Also can't draw any conclusions from tonight loads of subs on both sides it would appear. Typical pre season fare by the sound of it!
Well done the Howler great showing at the Open - still waiting for the promised Adver update from yesterday - no change there then!The Jockster

Yes 0-1 not bad at all considering the lack of defenders and Power thinks that we could have two in by the weekend. Four players identified and also back up plans too so looks like two centre backs the Liverpool left back Brad Smith and a striker due in as soon as its possible. Looks like Cooper is excited by the young lads with Randall making shock waves.

Yes 0-1 not bad at all considering the lack of defenders and Power thinks that we could have two in by the weekend. Four players identified and also back up plans too so looks like two centre backs the Liverpool left back Brad Smith and a striker due in as soon as its possible. Looks like Cooper is excited by the young lads with Randall making shock waves.Di kanny oh

I was at the game and we played well against a vastly stronger (physically) side. Branco calm at centre back. Nathan Thompson better at fullback than in the middle. Kasim covered well but is no centre back and would be great to see Stephens back on loan. Midfield is looking quality for this season and Luongo once again is a cut above. Class player. Wing backs have pace and stamina but no skills.. Smith from Liverpool is really fast but will he create goals??? Front two could be good together given time but latest looks like Waldon will be given game time. Randall and Marshall are gonna be the next toe to make an impression...
Overall some great football and some incisive passes but we are missing a striker who shows himself and holds it up. Sorry to bring him up but Ranger did this brilliantly...
Current squad = top 10
With some decent additions = top 6

Cooper is doing a brilliant job IMO

I was at the game and we played well against a vastly stronger (physically) side. Branco calm at centre back. Nathan Thompson better at fullback than in the middle. Kasim covered well but is no centre back and would be great to see Stephens back on loan. Midfield is looking quality for this season and Luongo once again is a cut above. Class player. Wing backs have pace and stamina but no skills.. Smith from Liverpool is really fast but will he create goals??? Front two could be good together given time but latest looks like Waldon will be given game time. Randall and Marshall are gonna be the next toe to make an impression...
Overall some great football and some incisive passes but we are missing a striker who shows himself and holds it up. Sorry to bring him up but Ranger did this brilliantly...
Current squad = top 10
With some decent additions = top 6
Cooper is doing a brilliant job IMOPaoloWanchope

Much more pleasing performance compared to Eastleigh. Branco and Yasser looked the part at the back and the two Thompsons put in a solid performance. Our best man was Loungo but I cant work out why Swindon only comes alive when the youngsters play upfront. Southampton are two leagues above us and should win and out perform. They won but they didn't out perform. Indeed when Yasser moved into midfield the Saints had no answer to his maisey runs. With the additions promised I just hope we find the forward(s) who can score and who will link well with other team members.

Much more pleasing performance compared to Eastleigh. Branco and Yasser looked the part at the back and the two Thompsons put in a solid performance. Our best man was Loungo but I cant work out why Swindon only comes alive when the youngsters play upfront. Southampton are two leagues above us and should win and out perform. They won but they didn't out perform. Indeed when Yasser moved into midfield the Saints had no answer to his maisey runs. With the additions promised I just hope we find the forward(s) who can score and who will link well with other team members.MoonrakerinHampshire

MoonrakerinHampshire wrote:
Much more pleasing performance compared to Eastleigh. Branco and Yasser looked the part at the back and the two Thompsons put in a solid performance. Our best man was Loungo but I cant work out why Swindon only comes alive when the youngsters play upfront. Southampton are two leagues above us and should win and out perform. They won but they didn't out perform. Indeed when Yasser moved into midfield the Saints had no answer to his maisey runs. With the additions promised I just hope we find the forward(s) who can score and who will link well with other team members.

was a poor performance in Eastleigh. was impressed by marshall. Did Rodgers play well tonight thought he came out of Eastleigh game ok.

[quote][p][bold]MoonrakerinHampshire[/bold] wrote:
Much more pleasing performance compared to Eastleigh. Branco and Yasser looked the part at the back and the two Thompsons put in a solid performance. Our best man was Loungo but I cant work out why Swindon only comes alive when the youngsters play upfront. Southampton are two leagues above us and should win and out perform. They won but they didn't out perform. Indeed when Yasser moved into midfield the Saints had no answer to his maisey runs. With the additions promised I just hope we find the forward(s) who can score and who will link well with other team members.[/p][/quote]was a poor performance in Eastleigh. was impressed by marshall. Did Rodgers play well tonight thought he came out of Eastleigh game ok.foreverared

The Jockster wrote:
Also can't draw any conclusions from tonight loads of subs on both sides it would appear. Typical pre season fare by the sound of it!
Well done the Howler great showing at the Open - still waiting for the promised Adver update from yesterday - no change there then!

Jockster, Seems you didn't make the game, yes saints did change nearly their whole team, (Jack Stevens was in midfield and didn't look comfortable playing there), There certainly wasn't wholesale changes on Coopers part. He made four I believe and the changes were seamless, as all the youngsters that came on gave a good account of themselves. replacing Rodgers, Williams, Smith and Yaser.

Thoroughly enjoyable open game and credit to Saints supporters bringing nigh on 900 to make up a crowd of just under 4k. Some positive performances from most of the squad, biggest disappointment on the night for me was Byrne who did not look too interested, could have been carrying a knock, but he never got past their full back on the outside once as he always came back on his right foot, which slowed down any threat of any attack down that flank. IMO he might be OK at left back, but he needs to nail down what is his best position, because he is definitely lacking the requirements as an out and out left winger. Barcham did OK down the right side, but we definitely looked like we were missing a Prichard type of player

The goal conceded was very poor defending from Branco, who apart from that did well, it came from a set piece corner that landed at his feet in the 6 yard area and he allowed their player to toe punt it off his feet. With the promise of additions coming in, we can only hope the old problem of not defending set pieces will improve.

Encouraging performance, but still not enough up front to work their goalies, make of that what you will, but Williams for me looked like the striker that may get a few if they come his way.

[quote][p][bold]The Jockster[/bold] wrote:
Also can't draw any conclusions from tonight loads of subs on both sides it would appear. Typical pre season fare by the sound of it!
Well done the Howler great showing at the Open - still waiting for the promised Adver update from yesterday - no change there then![/p][/quote]Jockster, Seems you didn't make the game, yes saints did change nearly their whole team, (Jack Stevens was in midfield and didn't look comfortable playing there), There certainly wasn't wholesale changes on Coopers part. He made four I believe and the changes were seamless, as all the youngsters that came on gave a good account of themselves. replacing Rodgers, Williams, Smith and Yaser.
Thoroughly enjoyable open game and credit to Saints supporters bringing nigh on 900 to make up a crowd of just under 4k. Some positive performances from most of the squad, biggest disappointment on the night for me was Byrne who did not look too interested, could have been carrying a knock, but he never got past their full back on the outside once as he always came back on his right foot, which slowed down any threat of any attack down that flank. IMO he might be OK at left back, but he needs to nail down what is his best position, because he is definitely lacking the requirements as an out and out left winger. Barcham did OK down the right side, but we definitely looked like we were missing a Prichard type of player
The goal conceded was very poor defending from Branco, who apart from that did well, it came from a set piece corner that landed at his feet in the 6 yard area and he allowed their player to toe punt it off his feet. With the promise of additions coming in, we can only hope the old problem of not defending set pieces will improve.
Encouraging performance, but still not enough up front to work their goalies, make of that what you will, but Williams for me looked like the striker that may get a few if they come his way.old town robin

This was a very good performance. I read on a Southampton report that they saw off Town. Not in my book. The obvious needs are there but there was a great confidence in the play tonight. Massimo, Kasim and Louise show great ability on the ball. I think Anton will challenge them and have the strength through a Div 1 season. Barker is growing in confidence and much fitter. He too will be able to play in the hole or as a second striker. Good to see Andy back with the ability to turn players. Smithy needs to keep working at holding the ball and the layoff to feet but he has great heart. The youngsters fed on the confidence from the ones mentioned. Many good points. Areas that need most work - defending dead ball situations. Someone must be attacking the ball and not all watching the opposition. (Ranger showed how when with us) Final ball in and shooting practice a must. Work hard getting to the point where we need to pull the trigger but the safety catch seems to jam. One more minor point what were our subs doing at half time? The Saints fully into preparation time our coaching and preparation non existent. Not professional. However thanks for a good evening lads and to the management too. Hopefully yours.

This was a very good performance. I read on a Southampton report that they saw off Town. Not in my book. The obvious needs are there but there was a great confidence in the play tonight. Massimo, Kasim and Louise show great ability on the ball. I think Anton will challenge them and have the strength through a Div 1 season. Barker is growing in confidence and much fitter. He too will be able to play in the hole or as a second striker. Good to see Andy back with the ability to turn players. Smithy needs to keep working at holding the ball and the layoff to feet but he has great heart. The youngsters fed on the confidence from the ones mentioned. Many good points. Areas that need most work - defending dead ball situations. Someone must be attacking the ball and not all watching the opposition. (Ranger showed how when with us) Final ball in and shooting practice a must. Work hard getting to the point where we need to pull the trigger but the safety catch seems to jam. One more minor point what were our subs doing at half time? The Saints fully into preparation time our coaching and preparation non existent. Not professional. However thanks for a good evening lads and to the management too. Hopefully yours.billbst

MoonrakerinHampshire wrote:
Much more pleasing performance compared to Eastleigh. Branco and Yasser looked the part at the back and the two Thompsons put in a solid performance. Our best man was Loungo but I cant work out why Swindon only comes alive when the youngsters play upfront. Southampton are two leagues above us and should win and out perform. They won but they didn't out perform. Indeed when Yasser moved into midfield the Saints had no answer to his maisey runs. With the additions promised I just hope we find the forward(s) who can score and who will link well with other team members.

was a poor performance in Eastleigh. was impressed by marshall. Did Rodgers play well tonight thought he came out of Eastleigh game ok.

On tonight's performance i doubt Anton will nail down a regular place, he did OK, but lacked any attacking flair of note. In comparison I would say he is behind Lee Cox abilty-wise, whom I thought finished last season very strongly for us. However a bit unfair to judge him on his first game, give him time to settle and we will know more about him come Xmas.

[quote][p][bold]foreverared[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]MoonrakerinHampshire[/bold] wrote:
Much more pleasing performance compared to Eastleigh. Branco and Yasser looked the part at the back and the two Thompsons put in a solid performance. Our best man was Loungo but I cant work out why Swindon only comes alive when the youngsters play upfront. Southampton are two leagues above us and should win and out perform. They won but they didn't out perform. Indeed when Yasser moved into midfield the Saints had no answer to his maisey runs. With the additions promised I just hope we find the forward(s) who can score and who will link well with other team members.[/p][/quote]was a poor performance in Eastleigh. was impressed by marshall. Did Rodgers play well tonight thought he came out of Eastleigh game ok.[/p][/quote]On tonight's performance i doubt Anton will nail down a regular place, he did OK, but lacked any attacking flair of note. In comparison I would say he is behind Lee Cox abilty-wise, whom I thought finished last season very strongly for us. However a bit unfair to judge him on his first game, give him time to settle and we will know more about him come Xmas.old town robin

billbst wrote:
This was a very good performance. I read on a Southampton report that they saw off Town. Not in my book. The obvious needs are there but there was a great confidence in the play tonight. Massimo, Kasim and Louise show great ability on the ball. I think Anton will challenge them and have the strength through a Div 1 season. Barker is growing in confidence and much fitter. He too will be able to play in the hole or as a second striker. Good to see Andy back with the ability to turn players. Smithy needs to keep working at holding the ball and the layoff to feet but he has great heart. The youngsters fed on the confidence from the ones mentioned. Many good points. Areas that need most work - defending dead ball situations. Someone must be attacking the ball and not all watching the opposition. (Ranger showed how when with us) Final ball in and shooting practice a must. Work hard getting to the point where we need to pull the trigger but the safety catch seems to jam. One more minor point what were our subs doing at half time? The Saints fully into preparation time our coaching and preparation non existent. Not professional. However thanks for a good evening lads and to the management too. Hopefully yours.

very good account Bilbst, especially the point you made Cooper did not see the need to have any of our subs warming up until 5 mins before they came on, whilst Koemann had the whole of his bench warming up for 20 minutes or more.

Also agree with you on lacking confident "to pull the trigger" comment, a lot of half chance went amiss either with a pass too many or by passing the buck instead of having a go.

[quote][p][bold]billbst[/bold] wrote:
This was a very good performance. I read on a Southampton report that they saw off Town. Not in my book. The obvious needs are there but there was a great confidence in the play tonight. Massimo, Kasim and Louise show great ability on the ball. I think Anton will challenge them and have the strength through a Div 1 season. Barker is growing in confidence and much fitter. He too will be able to play in the hole or as a second striker. Good to see Andy back with the ability to turn players. Smithy needs to keep working at holding the ball and the layoff to feet but he has great heart. The youngsters fed on the confidence from the ones mentioned. Many good points. Areas that need most work - defending dead ball situations. Someone must be attacking the ball and not all watching the opposition. (Ranger showed how when with us) Final ball in and shooting practice a must. Work hard getting to the point where we need to pull the trigger but the safety catch seems to jam. One more minor point what were our subs doing at half time? The Saints fully into preparation time our coaching and preparation non existent. Not professional. However thanks for a good evening lads and to the management too. Hopefully yours.[/p][/quote]very good account Bilbst, especially the point you made Cooper did not see the need to have any of our subs warming up until 5 mins before they came on, whilst Koemann had the whole of his bench warming up for 20 minutes or more.
Also agree with you on lacking confident "to pull the trigger" comment, a lot of half chance went amiss either with a pass too many or by passing the buck instead of having a go.old town robin

Wasn't there so can't comment on the game but it's great to hear the core are all playing well and especially Mass
.
Also sounds like Branco had a decent game which is good if he is stepping up too

Wasn't there so can't comment on the game but it's great to hear the core are all playing well and especially Mass
.
Also sounds like Branco had a decent game which is good if he is stepping up tooLondon Red

I saw Branco at Eastleigh and against Southampton and on the ball he is very Hanson Esq. He seems very confident on the ball and was happy to run at Southampton on occasion and was effective too. A bit lightweight at times which Eastleigh showed up, but he will get stronger and I feel an asset and would like to see him pairing with Jack Stephens.

I was pleased that Anton Rogers passed back to his passer no more than 3 or 4 times, but his role is short passing. He has not been one to light up the match, though to be fair to him he was first to come off after 40 minutes. Barthram surprised me. When the kids came on upfront, his wing-play jumped a notch and he was involved in most things good including two or three crosses begging for conversion.

The one extreme difference between Eastleigh, Southampton and Swindon is the other teams are very verbal. Swindon are more like mice and the bossy ones need to be more vocal - a bit like the Eastleigh goalkeeper who bossed his defence very effectively and very noisily. Swindon were also very narrow at times and all 10 outfield players would pull to one side, and inevitably when the ball broke free, Southampton would hoist out to the other side for the full back and wing half to launch a counter attack. Had Luke Shaw been there last night I have no doubt Southampton would have done better when those opportunities arose. As it was they didn't capitalise. And when the impressive Rodriguez came on, the Saints still had no joy because Swindon's defence stood tall.

I saw Branco at Eastleigh and against Southampton and on the ball he is very Hanson Esq. He seems very confident on the ball and was happy to run at Southampton on occasion and was effective too. A bit lightweight at times which Eastleigh showed up, but he will get stronger and I feel an asset and would like to see him pairing with Jack Stephens.
I was pleased that Anton Rogers passed back to his passer no more than 3 or 4 times, but his role is short passing. He has not been one to light up the match, though to be fair to him he was first to come off after 40 minutes. Barthram surprised me. When the kids came on upfront, his wing-play jumped a notch and he was involved in most things good including two or three crosses begging for conversion.
The one extreme difference between Eastleigh, Southampton and Swindon is the other teams are very verbal. Swindon are more like mice and the bossy ones need to be more vocal - a bit like the Eastleigh goalkeeper who bossed his defence very effectively and very noisily. Swindon were also very narrow at times and all 10 outfield players would pull to one side, and inevitably when the ball broke free, Southampton would hoist out to the other side for the full back and wing half to launch a counter attack. Had Luke Shaw been there last night I have no doubt Southampton would have done better when those opportunities arose. As it was they didn't capitalise. And when the impressive Rodriguez came on, the Saints still had no joy because Swindon's defence stood tall.MoonrakerinHampshire

Agree Old Town , Byrne was off the pace compared to rest of the team , IMO Saints came to get game time , get fit and pass the ball , no fear for our lads and the youngsters did well under those cirumstances . Scunny will have completely different skill set and game plan the youngsters will get bullied if they get game time .
Any truth Ranger could be going to Leeds ?

Agree Old Town , Byrne was off the pace compared to rest of the team , IMO Saints came to get game time , get fit and pass the ball , no fear for our lads and the youngsters did well under those cirumstances . Scunny will have completely different skill set and game plan the youngsters will get bullied if they get game time .
Any truth Ranger could be going to Leeds ?hertz